By Lakshmi

As an Indian community in Australia, we take immense pride in our progress. We’ve worked hard, achieved so much, and adapted to a fast-paced world. Yet, in our pursuit of success and modern living, something precious has quietly slipped away — the essence of our cultural wisdom and the practices that once kept us healthy and grounded.

We are technologically advanced, but are we truly thriving as humans? Let’s pause and reflect.
Many of us today struggle with lifestyle-related ailments — obesity, back pain, diabetes, allergies, migraines, and even anxiety and depression. Our bodies, once supported by wholesome traditions, now battle the consequences of convenience.

Food, for instance, has shifted from being nourishment to being about taste, speed, and pleasure. But in the India we grew up in, food was also medicine. Every ingredient had a purpose. Take the humble fenugreek — not only a flavour enhancer but also a natural cure for body odour. Or consider the probiotic rice water that villagers in South India drank for breakfast — a simple, powerful ritual for gut health.

When we migrated, we embraced opportunity, but somewhere along the way, we left behind these practices. Our children are growing up in a cultural blend — rooted yet distant, like a loaf of bread: brown on the outside, white on the inside, and can’t even speak their mother tongue fluently. And the truth is, many of us lack the skills to pass on these timeless habits.

But here’s the good news — it’s not too late. In fact, this is the perfect time to reconnect with our roots. Let’s bring back the old wisdom, not as a nostalgic exercise, but as a powerful way to enrich our lives in this modern world.

Let’s cook real, nourishing food.
Let’s embrace authentic yoga, in addition to gym yoga.
Let’s teach our kids the beauty of Ayurvedic principles, languages, and cultural practices that kept generations strong and healthy.

In the West, people are seeking wellness by going off-grid and disconnecting from urban life. But we don’t need to escape — we need to integrate. We can blend progress with tradition, convenience with mindfulness. And this revival can spark new opportunities — healthy food businesses, wellness practices, cultural workshops. The possibilities are endless.

So, let’s take pride in where we come from and make our heritage our strength. By embracing these old ways with a modern touch, we’ll not only improve our health and happiness but also inspire future generations.

Let’s grow onwards and upwards from the Down Under — strong in body, rich in culture, and unstoppable in spirit.

About the Author

Kanakalakshmi Balasubramani (Lakshmi) is a devoted wife and mother. She is also an engineer with a Master’s in Actuarial Science from UNSW, working in a private organisation. She has called Sydney home for the past 18 years.

She embraces life with optimism and resilience, shaped by her journey as a migrant. Passionate about fostering happiness, she begins her mission at home — creating a joyful space where her family sings, dances, and thrives together. Lakshmi is also an avid writer, sharing her thoughts and stories through various online platforms.